"Wh-what's wrong?"
Takashi, who had just been grinning like an idiot while hugging the big fish, looked confused when he saw the look Kei was giving him—as if he were garbage.
Kei's expression was cold. "Nothing."
This scumbag senpai.
She had just been feeling sorry for him.
But it was all an act, wasn't it?
Just to fool those kind, naïve, soft-hearted girls.
That was close—she almost fell for it.
"I'm taking the picture now. Done."
Kei didn't even bother counting down. She lifted the phone, took a random shot, and tossed the phone back to him.
Yes—tossed.
The phone landed on the fish and nearly slipped off, but fortunately, Takashi caught it against his chest just in time.
"Let's go back. It's getting late."
After discovering that the senpai she had once admired was actually a total player, Kei instantly lost all interest in fishing. She even wanted to leave as soon as possible.
What's gotten into her?
Takashi was totally baffled.
He didn't understand—everything had been going fine. Why the sudden change in attitude?
Was it… that time of the month?
Forget it. Not gonna think about it.
Takashi didn't dwell on it too long.
Still in high spirits, he posted the photo of himself holding the big fish on Twitter: "Sixteen years old. No family backing. No help from parents. Pure skill landed this 10-pound fish. [image.jpg]"
The moment he posted, comments started rolling in.
Narii: That's fire! 🔥🔥🔥
Takashi replied to Narii: 😎
Kouta: If this were real life, I'd admit you're pretty badass. But this is online, bro—all I need are hands. 😏
Takashi replied to Kouta: Pick a time, let's meet up IRL 💪😤
Shota: I don't know much about fishing, but I always see the word "air force" used, must be a good luck phrase! So here's wishing all anglers constant "air force" days.
Takashi replied to Shota: Where are you from, you weird kid? 😑
Old Angler Dude: Did you buy that fish just to post this tweet? Went all in, huh?
Takashi replied to Old Angler Dude: Jealous? Not taking disciples!
Old Angler Dude replied: ?
Marin: So you were out fishing, Takashi! Next time, invite me too~
Takashi replied to Marin: ok!
Akari: It's just a fish. Do you have to act like it's the first amazing thing you've ever seen?
Normally, Takashi wouldn't bother replying to Akari.
But today, he was in a good mood, so he replied: You don't fish, so you wouldn't understand!
This guy has no shame.
Kei had also added Takashi's LINE.
Back when he said he'd help her find a job, she even followed his posts to stay updated.
So as soon as he posted, she got a system notification.
When she saw him claiming the fish she caught as his own, she was furious.
"Senpai, I caught that fish!"
Takashi didn't even look up. "The rod's mine, the bait's mine, and I reeled it in—how exactly is it your catch?"
"Besides, how are you going to prove it was you who caught it?"
Kei's beautiful eyes widened in disbelief.
She had never seen anyone so shameless.
Too shameless! I have to expose him!
Fuming, she got ready to leave a comment to reveal this liar for who he was. But just then, she realized—she couldn't see the post anymore.
Did he block me?
Kei thought maybe she'd been blocked.
But soon, she dismissed the idea.
Because she could still see his other posts just fine.
Perplexed, she glanced over at Takashi—only to see him suddenly drenched in sweat.
Momo: Wow. You actually have time to fish?
Takashi replied to Momo: Dear Momo-san, this big fish was specially saved for you! Please accept it as my humble tribute!
Nagisa replied to Takashi: You really are a total heartthrob, huh~
Takashi looked at Momo. Then at Nagisa.
And only now did he realize something critically important.
In his moment of triumph, he'd forgotten to block a few people.
He should've known—this account had all his sponsors following it.
If they started chatting in the comments…
Wouldn't he be totally screwed?
The thought made Takashi break into a cold sweat. His back was already soaked.
He hurriedly deleted the post.
What should I do? How many people saw it? Did Utaha see it? Did Eriri? Did Maki?
In that moment, Takashi had to admit—
He panicked.
Buzz buzz~
Just as he was freaking out, his phone vibrated.
He looked down—it was a message from Momo.
Momo: Why do you have Kashiwagi Nagisa's contact info?
Takashi's brain was running faster than ever.
"Lie?"
The thought had just emerged before Takashi immediately rejected it.
Momo and Nagisa were in the same school. Even if they weren't exactly close, a lie like that would fall apart with just a little fact-checking.
Takashi thought for a moment and replied to Momo: [Nagisa said she likes me.]
In a lush Japanese garden pavilion, hidden among trees and flowers, Momo had just reached into the go bowl and touched a white stone when she saw Takashi's message.
She withdrew her hand, picked up her phone, and started typing.
Momo: [Details.]
Takashi: [You know, my parents passed away early. My relatives don't want anything to do with me. All my living expenses in Tokyo come from part-time jobs.]
He started off by playing the sympathy card.
Though, to be fair, it wasn't really a "card"—it was simply the truth of his situation when he transmigrated into this body.
Other transmigrators? Orphaned, sure, but they'd have a cute little sister, a house, wealth, good looks, and a carefree life.
As for him? Orphaned, no sister, no house, debt collectors knocking on the door, and an empty bank account.
The debuffs were stacked so hard you'd think he was playing some desert-dwelling support hero in a game.
He got slapped with a nightmare difficulty starting right out the gate.
If it weren't for the system, Takashi really would've just rerolled his life. It was getting really dull.
"He really had it that bad?"
Momo began to feel a little sorry for Takashi.
She hadn't looked into his family background, but she could sort of guess.
Back when she took him around Shuchiin Academy, he'd asked about financial aid and scholarship applications.
If someone wasn't struggling, who'd bother asking about that kind of thing?
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